Top 5 Best Dewalt Impact Driver Reviews & Buying Guide (2019)

Dewalt
has made a name for itself in the construction market. And not without reason
either. They make the most efficient and sturdy tools in the field, and they
know it well.

The
engineers of this company work actively in the field, researching the best ways
to improve their tools. However, there are numerous tools that this company has
made since its inception in 1923.

Today
we talk about their impact drivers. We will tell you all you need to know about
them so that you can find the best Dewalt impact driver among the endless
options.

What Is Dewalt Impact Driver?

An
impact driver is a tool that does the task of a standard drill driver, but with
much more efficiency. Their specialty is that they have a hammer setting built
into the system. This setting automatically gets to work on screws that are
stuck so as to release them and continue with the penetration of the material.

These
are power tools that are specialized to do tasks that require a lot of
repetitive driving. They are ideal for big projects and construction. If you
change the driver bit for a socket, then the impact driver can also become a
tool for tightening nuts and bolts.

Our Recommended Best Dewalt Impact Drivers

The
Dewalt impact driver set has all the attachments that are required for impact
driving. They come with many parts and attachments, and thus, they have a
versatile function. Many are sold individually as well. Here, our Dewalt impact
driver reviews will help you choose the one that’s right for you.

1. DEWALT DCK240C2 20v Lithium Drill Driver/Impact Combo Kit

You will get two tools in one kit. The power tools
in this kit are a cordless drill and a driver kit, both of which are pretty
hardcore at their job. These tools are powered by lithium-ion batteries of 20
volts. The batteries are very efficient, and they can juice out 300 watts of
power from this device.

With such incredible strength, it will be easy for
you to tackle big industrial building projects with these tools. The
versatility you will get at the price of this tool is unrivaled. Anything from
hanging drywall to building decks can be handled by these heavy-duty tools. You
can also use them to work on machinery and vehicles.

Basically, you will be able to use these tools on
any kind of task that requires bold strength and a supreme amount of power.
Inside the kit, you will also find spare lithium-ion batteries, one charger,
and one contractor bag for keeping everything in one place.

One more useful feature of this tool is that it
comes with an LED display that lags for about 20 seconds to release the shot
after the trigger has been released. This will give you time to adjust your
hold on the target and let you be prepared when the shot pulls through – this
helps improve the precision to a great degree.

Pros

This is a complete kit that comes at a very
affordable price. The kit contains two very able tools and everything you need
to manage these tools to come in the package. Due to the great versatility of
this tool, you will be able to use this for a multitude of different tasks.

Cons

The batteries are powerful, but they cannot retain
their charge for too long. One of the biggest setbacks of having this tool is
that the impact driver does not have a hammer setting.

2. DEWALT DCF885C1 20V Max 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit

Whether fixing something in your car or making
shelves from scratch at home, this device will serve you loyally. The
visibility of the functions of this device makes it extra easy to work with.

The readings of this device are displayed on a LED
screen on the tool, which will be very convenient for you while you work on
your project.

Another helpful little component is the trigger
timer of the machine, which can be set to go off at a delay of twenty secs.
This will help you to prepare and stabilize your hold on the target before
starting to drill.

Most drill machines in the market, at least the ones
that offer such a variety of functions are on the bulkier side. But Dewalt
makes machines that are really good with maintaining that weight to usability
ratio. This one here weighs just about 2.8lbs, which is a pretty comfortable
weight for machines of such caliber.

Another aspect of this machine that gives you the
ease of use is that this machine is pretty compact. As a result, you will be
able to get this machine into all the tight corners and get your work done
without any additional hassle.

Pros

With the one-handed bit loading, using this machine
is very easy. If for some defect in the system you can’t avail the total use of
this machine as promised, then you can ask for compensation.

You will get a full kit that will help you to
accomplish all kinds of drilling jobs with this machine. Also, you will be able
to save battery expenses by using this electrically operated machine.

Cons

This cordless Dewalt impact driver is not ideal for
heavy work. It cannot drill 3-inch drill bits fully into walls. So, functions
are a bit limited. Mostly good for light work. The battery loses power after working
about 60 screws.

This impact driver can do the work with the least
amount of effort. You do not need any prior preparation to get right into the
heart of any kind of hardcore project that you might have lying around. This
impact gun can drive screws into the toughest of walls without getting slowed
down or needing any extra help.

The tremendous power of this machine comes from its
brushless motor, which is very efficient and easy to work with. However, the
price of this machine is a bit high due to the incorporation of the brush-less
motor. That said, you should know that these motors are just expensive, to
begin with.

Once you get past the initial cost, you will be able
to save a lot of money and time on the rest of the tiny details that usually
bog down brushed motors. The tool is very easy to maneuver due to the
lightweight body that holds it up.

Now, the dimensions of this impact driver make this
machine very corner-friendly as well, thus adding further comfort to the user.
Moreover, its trigger will allow you to adjust to different speeds and go to a
maximum of 3250 RPMs as well!

Pros

The machine is very versatile – the different speed
settings can be used to do different tasks while maintaining the right kind of
precision. It has a 20-second delay trigger timer which makes work much more
convenient. Also, this thing is the ideal option for working with corners.

Cons

You will need to get the charger and the battery
separately. This impact driver does not run as smoothly as devices from the
rest of the Dewalt family. The machine turns off sporadically and does not
automatically go back to the previous settings as it restarts.

4. DEWALT DCF899HB 20v MAX XR Brush-less Impact Wrench

Congratulations, you have stumbled upon one of the Dewalt
gems. This impact wrench is causing quite a lot of hype in the world of
drilling and wrenching nowadays. This celebrated model comes in two different
variations- one is the hog ring type, and the other is the detent anvil type.

They work differently, so choose which function you
prefer before you buy this tool. The hog ring does not require a tool to hold
the socket. It uses a split washer to keep the socket tightly in place. On the
other hand, the detent anvil uses a tool to hold the socket tightly into place.

Whichever one you choose to use, know that they have
both been revered by users equally. The build and quality of these tools are
mind-blowing. Coming to the torque power, this tool has a maximum torque of 700
feet for every pound of weight. And the breakaway torque is 1200 feet for every
pound.

With accordance to these torque settings, besides
regular wrenching tasks, you will also be able to use this tool to change the
tires of your car pretty easily.

Pros

The device runs on the regular 20V batteries that
all Dewalt tools use. It has 3 different speed settings, which makes it usable
for a variety of different functions.

This tool is cordless; therefore, you will be able
to carry it with you to wherever the task site is, without a hassle. Since the
device is cordless, the company has also made it resistant to breakage for
falls that measure up to feet in height.

Cons

You will have to purchase the battery and the
charger separately.

5. DEWALT DCF887D2 Brushless Impact Driver Kit

This one is a very able machine that can run for a
longer time than most machines in the market while also delivering an
undeterred amount of power with every task. It is very lightweight, which makes
it ideal to be used for projects that require very extensive working hours.

You won’t have to carry the charger around. If
charged fully, then this tool will run straight for 4 hours without any lag.
The 3-speed variation of this tool makes it viable to work a wide range of
tasks.

The first setting for the speed uses a built-in
precision drive which provides impeccable guidance in tasks that require you to
keep your hands steady and go into the tiny details. Here the lightweight and
compact design come in handy again.

You will be able to reach into all the difficult
corners as well. Also, you will notice that the batteries have a charge
indicator on them. This is really helpful because you will be able to yank it
out before the charge level reaches the full hit of 100% and save your
batteries from getting overcharged. It increases battery life and makes them
last longer.

Moreover, your grip on the tools will be better due
to the amazing hex chuck. It supports 1-inch tips. This will make task
management even smoother and simpler for you.

Pros

This is a complete kit that includes everything you
need for impact driving. Batteries also come with it, as well as a charger and
a belt clip. It has 3 LED light displays. The motor is brushless and thus, very
powerful and efficient.

Cons

Tools show inconsistency with use. Some of these
tools have been reported to arrive defective. Check yours carefully before
paying.

Best Dewalt Impact Driver Buying Guide

Dewalt
is the most trusted brand when it comes to heavy-duty construction tools. They
have been in the business for many years and have served customers with
loyalty.

However,
not all machines are perfect, and so, instead of trusting the brand blindly,
you should know the basic features about your machine so that you manage to buy
the right tool at the very first go.

Battery

Since
perfecting the cordless design, Dewalt has abandoned the wires altogether.

Therefore,
you have to know how to choose the device based on the battery. Voltage defines
performance. There are 12-, 18- and 20-volt batteries. The standard voltage
that gives the most efficiency is 18V. Higher voltages give a quicker start-up,
but then it stabilizes to a voltage of 18 for the rest of the operation.

Then
comes the Amp-hours (Ah), which tells you how many hours your device will
operate for. 12V batteries are of 1.1 Ah, whereas, 18V and 20V batteries are of
2 Ah. If you work for long hours, choose tools that have the highest Ah power.

Motor

There
are two different types – brushed and brushless motors.

Brush-less
motors are much more efficient than brushed motors. The 18V models have brushed
motors, whereas the 20V models have brushless motors. If you are looking for
mid-level performance, then going with the 18V is fine.

However,
for more quality and endurance, opt for the 20V brushless motors. They are a
little more expensive than the 18V models, but that difference is compensated
by the difference in performance.

Speed

These
machines come in two different speed settings – 1 and 3. With 1 speed setting,
you will get variable speed too, but that will depend on the trigger pressure.
You will not be in complete control of the speed per se.

However,
with the 3-speed setting models, Dewalt has also incorporated a built-in
precision drive, which will adjust to the whatever speed you choose to work
with. You have more control here.

IPMs

To
elaborate, the impacts per minute. This is a better measure of the efficiency
of the motor than the speed or the torque. In terms of impact drivers, this is
what tells you how fast the motor rotates.

To
know the IPM, divide the in-lbs (inch-pound) value they use for torque by 12.

Milwaukee vs. Dewalt Impact Driver

Both
of these drivers have brush-less motors. Milwaukee impact drivers have very
efficient motors that have the capacity to deliver a torque power of up to 1800
lb/inch at 3700 impacts per minute.

You
will be able to switch between 4 modes of drive control. Mode 3 is particularly
interesting. Not because it goes up to 0-3000 RPM, but because it is an
admixture of all the other drive settings. And the result is an operation as
smooth as it can be delivered by no other device in the market.

This
tool can work up a huge amount of power to tackle almost all sorts of tasks,
both heavy and light.

The
Dewalt impact driver, on the other hand, goes up to 1825 lb./in. in terms of
torque power. Its speed is variable to about 3250 RPM at 3600 impacts per
minute.

Due
to the higher torque power, you will be able to have more utility out of the
Milwaukee impact driver and pump it up to give you a massive amount of power if
necessary.

Despite
the small differences in power, these are two of the most powerful heavy-duty
tools in the market. Dewalt is more expensive than Milwaukee, but that’s
because it has an advantage of the weight and size over the Milwaukee. So,
choose wisely according to your preference.

How to Use Dewalt Impact Driver

Dewalt
impact drivers are among the most efficient tools in the market. They have a
high torque power, and they do not cause sound pollution. Using them is truly
very comfortable. But how to use them, you ask? Well, just follow the steps
below!

Step
1:
Prepare all the right bits, rub them clean, and keep it all together.

Step
2:
Insert the battery into the tool.

Step
3:
Attach the bits to the right nooks in the tool.

Step
4:
Set target and start the operation.

Step
5:
Disassemble the attached parts.

Step 6: Clean them with a dry soft cloth and then store them all together in a cool, dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which battery should I go for between 20V and 18V?

Ans: For these drivers, 18V is the same as 20V. The company has mentioned that all batteries have a higher voltage when they are new. But with time, the battery performance naturally deteriorates and eventually hits a plateau at 18 volts.

Q: Can I drill holes with my impact driver?

Ans: Yes, with 1/4-inch hex shanks. The holes will be pretty big in size. These tools don’t have the precision that is normally required to drill holes. But you can still use them for the task if you want big holes.

Q: Is an impact driver the same as an impact wrench?

Ans: No. Ignore the word “impact.” Now think about it. A driver and a wrench are opposites. A driver drives screws into things. Whereas, the wrench is used for unscrewing nuts and bolts.

Q: Can I use an impact driver for my DIY projects?

Ans: Nope. Impact drivers are industrial power tools that are used exclusively to work bulky screws and other such heavy materials. They can’t be used for DIYs or any other small project.

Q: What is the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?

Ans: Impact drivers drill bits into walls. Their specialty is that they have a built-in hammer function that automatically tugs and smacks the drill bits when they get stuck in the holes.

On
the other hand, drill drivers only have a chuck that to work the drill bits
into walls. They have no hammer function. When the drill bits get stuck, you
will need to use a hammer on them manually.

Final Words

In
order to choose the best Dewalt impact driver, you will have to look at all the
features individually and then decide if they are in line with the kind of need
you have for them.

Now,
you know all there is to know about the DeWalt impact drivers. So, what are you
waiting for? Go and get one for you. Best of luck with the purchase!